Goal securement system and method

ABSTRACT

A goal securement device includes a ground engagement system, a ground securement system, a goal securement system, and a goal securement monitoring system. In an embodiment, the systems work cooperatively to secure a goal to the ground and monitor the status of such securement. Embodiments of each system and embodiments of various components, aspects, or features of each system are described.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/019,231, filed Sep. 5, 2013, which claims benefit to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/698,419, filed Sep. 7, 2012 which is entirelyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to securement and monitoring devices,and specifically related to securement and monitoring systems, devices,and methods for goals.

BACKGROUND

Sports that use goals, such as soccer or lacrosse, are becomingincreasingly popular. These goals can be placed in various locations,such as parks, fields, and playgrounds, so that children and adults canplay these sports and enjoy these sports. These goals need to beinstalled and secured properly or they can become a safety hazard fornot only the players, but also anyone else who uses the parks, fields,or playgrounds. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide asecurement and monitoring system and device for these goals to not onlysafely and properly secure the goals, but also to monitor the securementof the goals after they have been safely and properly secured.

SUMMARY

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of at least some of its aspects.This summary is not intended as an extensive overview of the invention.It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the inventionor to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merelypresents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a preludeto the more detailed description provided below.

Aspects of this invention relate to a goal securement and monitoringdevice that includes a securement member, a securement housing, and apressure pad assembly. The securement member may be configured to securea ground bar of a goal to the ground. The securement member may includea ground base member and an arm member extending from the ground basemember. The ground base member may be configured to be secured to theground. The arm member may define a channel in which the ground bar ofthe goal can be positioned in between the arm member and the ground whenthe ground base member is secured to the ground. The securement membermay further include at least one of a gusset or a set of press ribsconfigured to resist deformation of the securement member.

The securement housing may enclosing a portion of the arm member suchthat the ground bar of the goal can be positioned in between thesecurement housing and the ground when the ground base member is securedto the ground. The securement housing may include a first and secondopposing halves, wherein the first and second opposing halves are joinedby a clip joint. The securement housing may further include at least onegroove that is complimentary with an edge of the securement member suchthat the edge of the securement member fits within the groove. Thesecurement housing may include a set of crush ribs defined with thegroove, wherein the crush ribs are configured to deform and conform tothe shape of the edge of the securement member to establish a frictionfit between the securement housing and the securement member.

The pressure pad assembly may be configured to indicate whether theground base member is secured to the ground. The pressure pad assemblymay include a pressure pad housing, a pressure pad base, a pressure padbiasing element, and an indicator. The pressure pad may enclose a distalportion of the arm member. The pressure pad base may be slidably coupledto the pressure pad housing such that a portion of the pressure pad baseis positioned within the pressure pad housing when the pressure padassembly is in a set position and the portion of the pressure pad baseextends from the pressure pad housing when the pressure pad assembly isin an extended position. The pressure pad biasing element may bias thepressure pad housing and the pressure pad base into the extendedposition. The pressure pad assembly may be configured to be in the setposition when the ground member is secured to the ground and isconfigured to be in the extended position when the ground base member isnot secured to the ground. The indicator may be configured to indicateat least one of: 1) that the ground base member is not secured to theground when the pressure pad assembly is in the extended position or 2)that the ground base member is secured to the ground when the pressurepad assembly is in the set position.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to a goal securement andmonitoring device that includes a securement member configured to securea ground bar of a goal to the ground. The securement member may includea ground base member and an arm member extending from the ground basemember. The ground base member may be configured to be secured to theground. The arm member may define a channel in which the ground bar ofthe goal can be positioned in between the arm member and the ground whenthe ground base member is secured to the ground.

The goal securement and monitoring device may also include a securementhousing enclosing a portion of the arm member. The securement housingmay be configured such that the ground bar of the goal can be positionedin between the securement housing and the ground when the ground basemember is secured to the ground.

The goal securement and monitoring device may also include a pressurepad assembly that may be configured to indicate whether the ground basemember is secured to the ground. The pressure pad assembly may have apressure pad base and a pressure pad biasing element. The pressure padbase may be operably connected to a distal portion of the arm memberwith the pressure pad biasing element operably connected to the distalportion of the arm member and the pressure pad base. The pressure padassembly may be configured to move from a set position when the groundbase member is secured to the ground to an extended position when theground base member is not secured to the ground. The pressure padbiasing element may bias the pressure pad assembly to the extendedposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and certainadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdetailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate embodiments of a goal securement deviceinstalled on a ground bar of a soccer goal;

FIGS. 2A through 6 illustrate an embodiment of a goal securement device;

FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate an embodiment of a component of anembodiment of a goal securement device;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a goal securement device;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a goalsecurement device;

FIGS. 10A through 17B illustrate embodiments of various components ofembodiments of a goal securement device;

FIGS. 18A1 through 19E2 illustrate the operation of an embodiment of agoal securement device in cross-sectional and expanded views;

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate embodiments of a goal securement device;

FIGS. 22 through 24 illustrate embodiments of components of anembodiment of a goal securement device;

FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate embodiments of a component of anembodiment of a goal securement device;

FIG. 28A is a top, front, right perspective view of an embodiment of agoal securement device;

FIG. 28B is a front view of the device of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 28C is a right side view of the device of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 28D is a rear view of the device of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 28E is a left side view of the device of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 28F is a top view of the device of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 28G is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 28H is a bottom, front, left perspective view of the device of FIG.28A;

FIG. 29A is a top, front, right perspective view of an embodiment of aresilient tube;

FIG. 29B is a front view of the device of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29C is a right side view of the device of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29D is a rear view of the device of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29E is a left side view of the device of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29F is a top view of the device of FIG. 29A; and

FIG. 29G is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 29A.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration variousexample structures, devices, systems, and environments in which aspectsof the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherspecific arrangements of parts, structures, example devices, systems,and environments may be utilized and structural and functionalmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,”“back,” “side,” and the like may be used in this specification todescribe various example features and elements of the invention, theseterms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on theexample orientations shown in the figures. Nothing in this specificationshould be construed as requiring a specific three dimensionalorientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of thisinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, an embodiment of a goal securement device10 is installed on a ground bar 22 of a soccer goal 20. For purposes ofthe present disclosure, reference to ground bar or rear ground bar meansany bar that forms part of a goal structure 20 and rests on the ground,whether such bar is along a side or along the rear of the goal 20, suchas the rear ground bar 22 shown in FIG. 1. The goal securement device ofthe present disclosure may be used on various sporting goals thattypically include ground bars, including but not limited to soccergoals, lacrosse goals, field hockey goals, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, in an embodiment, a goal securementdevice 10 may include a ground engagement system 40, a ground securementsystem 100, a goal securement system 200, and a goal securementmonitoring system 300. In an embodiment, the systems work cooperativelyto secure a goal to the ground and monitor the status of suchsecurement. Embodiments of each system and embodiments of variouscomponents, aspects, or features of each system are described by examplebelow. FIGS. 28A through 28H illustrate another embodiment of a goalsecurement device as described below.

In an embodiment, the ground securement system 100 may include asecurement member 101. In an embodiment, the securement member 101 caninclude a ground base member 102 and an arm member 104. The ground basemember 102 can be configured to extend substantially horizontal relativeto the ground, such that the bottom surface of the ground base member102 can be substantially parallel with the ground when the goalsecurement device 10 is installed on a goal. The arm member 104 can beconfigured such that at least a portion of the arm member extendssubstantially perpendicular to the ground base member 101 so that theportion of the arm member 104 extends away from the ground when the goalsecurement device 10 is installed on a goal. The securement member 101may include a connection element for connecting the securement member101 to the ground engagement system 40. In one embodiment, theconnection element can be a hole 106 defined in the ground base member102 through which the ground securement system 100 is attached orsecured to the ground engagement system 40. Various methods andstructures may be used to secure the ground securement system 100 to theground engagement system 40, including but not limited to examplemethods and structures disclosed herein.

The securement member 101 can include various aspects. Referring toFIGS. 14A through 14C, in an embodiment, the securement member 101 caninclude gussets 162 defined at the edges of points where the securementmember 101 bends or curves. The gussets 162 resist deformation of thesecurement member 101 at such bends or curves. Similarly, referring toFIGS. 14D and 14E, in an embodiment, the securement member 101 caninclude press ribs 164 at the points where the securement member 101bends or curves. The press ribs resist deformation of the securementmember 101 at such bends or curves.

In an embodiment, the goal securement system 200 cooperates with otheraspects of the goal securement device to secure a goal to the ground. Inan embodiment, the goal securement system 200 extends from the groundsecurement system 100 to define a space in which the ground bar can besecured between a structure of the goal securement system 200 and theground. In an embodiment, the arm member 104 extends from the groundsecurement system 101 to form at least a portion of such structure ofthe goal securement system 200. Referring to FIG. 14B, in an embodiment,the arm member 104 can extend vertically from the ground base member 102and then horizontally in a curved manner and wrap toward the ground tothereby define a space in which a ground bar 22 can be secured inbetween the arm member 104 and the ground.

In an embodiment, the goal securement system 200 includes a securementhousing 202 enclosing a portion of the arm member 104 under which theground bar will be secured to the ground. Referring to FIGS. 10A through11B, embodiments of securement housing 202 are shown. A securementhousing 202 can include two opposing halves that join to form thehousing. FIG. 10A depicts a half of a securement housing 202A that canjoin with the opposing half of a securement housing 202B depicted inFIG. 10B. FIG. 11A depicts a half of a securement housing 202A that canjoin with the opposing half of a securement housing 202B depicted inFIG. 11B. The halves of the securement housing depicted in FIGS. 11A and11B may include a clip joint 205 to join the rear portion of thesecurement housing. The clip joint 205 can include a clip 205A and aclip receiver 205B. A securement housing 202 can include securementhousing grooves 203A, 203B in which the edges of a portion of thesecurement member 101 are received. A portion of the securement member101 can be enclosed in the securement housing 202 when the halves arejoined together with the edges of the securement member 101 positionedin the respective securement housing grooves 203A.

In an embodiment, the securement housing grooves 203A, 203B can includecrush ribs 262 defined therein. When the edges of the securement member101 are inserted into the securement housing grooves 203A, 203B, thecrush ribs 262 deform and conform to the shape of the edges of thesecurement member 101. The crush ribs 262 thereby improve the frictionfit between the edges of the arm member 104 and the securement housinggrooves 203A, 203B. Crush ribs 262 can be configured to be thinnest atthe point of entry and increase in thickness, like a ramp, further fromthe point of entry.

The securement housing 202 can be positioned in contact with the groundbar 22 and operate to secure the ground bar 22 to the ground when theground securement section 100 is secured to the ground. The bottomsurface of the securement housing 202 may be configured to match orconform to the shape of the ground bar 22. For example, in anembodiment, the bottom of the securement housing 202 can include asubstantially flat bottom surface to match a ground bar of generallyrectangular shaped cross section that has a substantially flat topsurface. Also, for example, in an embodiment, the bottom surface of thesecurement housing 202 can be rounded to conform to a ground bar havinga cross section of generally circular shape. Other configurations of thesecurement housing 202 may be utilized. The securement housing 202 mayinclude gripping structure, such as teeth or spikes 204, to facilitatesound contact between the securement housing and the ground bar. Theteeth or spikes 204 may also perform a theft-deterrent function bydeterring a thief from manually separating the goal securement housing202 from the ground bar on which it is installed.

In an embodiment, the goal securement system 200 can include a resilientsecurement member 230. A resilient securement member can be constructedof a resilient or flexible material or structure that allows theresilient securement member 230 to conform to the shape of an objectagainst which it is pressed. In an embodiment, a resilient securementmember is used to conform the securement system 202 to various shapesand sizes of ground bars, which thereby allows the goal securementdevice to be compatible with various types and sizes of soccer goals.

An embodiment of a resilient securement member 230 is depicted in FIGS.7A through 7D. Embodiments of a goal securement device that includes agoal securement system 200 having a resilient securement member 230 aredepicted in FIGS. 1, 1A, 8A and 8B. In an embodiment, the resilientsecurement member 230 comprises a substantially cylindrical shaped tube234, which can also be referred to herein as a resilient tube 234. Theresilient tube 234 can be constructed of resilient, flexible material.Such material includes, for example, plastic, rubber, compositematerial, or combinations thereof. The resilient tube 234 can conform tothe shape of the object to which it is pressed against and therebyconform the goal securement system 200 to various shapes and sizes ofground bars and allow the goal securement device to be compatible withvarious types of soccer goals. By way of example, when the resilienttube 234 is pressed against a ground bar of generally circular crosssection, the tube can compress inwardly and flex outwardly to conform tothe shape of the ground bar. FIGS. 29A through 29G illustrate anotherembodiment of a resilient tube as described above.

In an embodiment, the resilient securement member 230 further includesgripping structures to facilitate sound contact between the resilientsecurement member 230 and the ground bar. In an embodiment, the grippingstructures of the resilient securement member 230 include finsprotruding from the surface of the resilient securement member whichcontact the ground bar. In an embodiment, lateral fins 235 and verticalfins 236 cooperate to prevent lateral movement and non-uniform flexingof the resilient securement member 230 and thereby help maintain theintegrity of the contact between the resilient securement member 230 andthe ground bar. In an embodiment, the resilient securement member 230may include a mounting bracket 232 from which the resilient securementmember 230 is attached to the underside of the securement housing 202.

In an embodiment, the goal securement system 200 can include anadjustable member that can be positioned at multiple positions toconform the goal securement system to various sizes and shapes of groundbars. In an embodiment, the adjustable member can be positioned atvarious heights relative to the ground to conform the goal securementsystem 200 to various sizes of ground bars. In an embodiment, theadjustable member can be shaped to conform to the shape of the groundbar. In an embodiment, the adjustable member can be formed of a rigidmaterial.

An embodiment of an adjustable member 240 is depicted in FIG. 9. Theadjustable member 240 can be in the form of an adjustable bar 240 thatis positionable at multiple heights relative to the ground to conformthe goal securement system 200 to various sizes of ground bars. In anembodiment, the adjustable bar 240 can be positioned at multiple heightsalong the vertical height of the vertical portion of the arm member 104by inserting the bar through multiple holes defined in the verticalportion of the arm member 104. In such example, the adjustable bar 240may be adjusted up or down in order to conform to the size of a givenground bar. In an embodiment, a biasing member or spring may be utilizedin conjunction with the adjustable bar 240 to bias the adjustable bar240 against the ground bar and thereby conform the goal securementsystem to the size of the given goal.

In an embodiment, the goal securement device 10 includes a goalsecurement monitoring system 300. The goal securement monitoring system300 may also be referred to herein as the goal monitoring system or themonitoring system. In an embodiment, the goal monitoring system 300monitors the status and/or change of contact between the ground bar andthe ground. In an embodiment, the goal monitoring system 300 monitorsthe status and/or change in securement of the goal and/or the goalsecurement device to the ground. Change in contact between the groundbar and the ground or change in securement of the goal to the ground canoccur, for example, if the goal is tipped forward or if the goalsecurement device is disturbed after installation, such as for exampleif the securement of the ground engagement system 40 to the ground iscompromised. In an embodiment, the goal monitoring system 300 mayindicate that a ground bar has maintained securement the ground. In anembodiment, the goal monitoring system 300 may indicate that a groundbar has lost securement with the ground. In an embodiment, the goalmonitoring system 300 may indicate whether the ground bar has maintainedor lost securement with the ground. Such indications may be a visualindication, audible indication, or a combination of visual and audibleindications. In an embodiment, the goal monitoring system 300 maymaintain the indication that the ground bar has lost securement with theground until the goal securement device has been re-secured and theindicator reset.

In an embodiment, the goal monitoring system 300 includes a pressure padassembly for monitoring whether the ground bar has maintained or lostsecurement to the ground. In an embodiment, the pressure pad assemblycan include a pressure pad housing 302, pressure pad base 312, pressurepad base plate 314, and pressure pad biasing element 318. Such pressurepad assembly 310 can be configured to move between a set position, asillustrated in FIGS. 18A1 and 19E1, and an extended position, asillustrated in FIGS. 18E1 and 19A1.

Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 17A, 17B, a pressure pad housing302 can include two opposing halves that join to make a completehousing. For example, an embodiment of a first half 302A of a pressurepad housing 302 is depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B and an embodiment of asecond half 302B of a pressure pad housing is depicted in FIGS. 13A and13B. The first half 302A is complimentary to the second half 302B andcan join to form a pressure pad housing 302. Similarly, an embodiment ofa first half 302A of a pressure pad housing 302 is depicted in FIG. 17Aand an embodiment of a complimentary second half 302B of a pressure padhousing is depicted in FIG. 17B. Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and13B, pressure pad housing halves 302A, 302B include grooves 319A, 319Bfor receiving the edges of a distal end 105 of a securement member 101.The grooves also include crush ribs 262.

Referring to FIG. 17A, in an embodiment, the pressure pad base 312 canbe slidably coupled to the pressure pad housing 302, such that at leasta portion of the pressure pad base 312 can slide into and out of thepressure pad housing 302. In an embodiment, the pressure pad base 312can slide into the pressure pad housing 302 to arrive in the setposition, as illustrated in FIG. 18A1, and out of the pressure padhousing 302 to arrive at the extended position, as illustrated in FIG.18E1. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 17A, the pressure pad biasingelement 318 may be a spring 318. The spring 318 can have a first end318A positioned against a surface of the pressure pad housing 302 and asecond end 318B positioned against an opposing surface of the pressurepad base 312. In such configuration, the spring 318 biases the pressurepad base 312 such that a portion of the pressure pad base 312 slides outof the pressure pad housing 302 and into an extended position. In turn,in such configuration, the pressure pad base 312 can be positioned in aset position by positioning the bottom surface of the pressure pad plate314 on the ground and applying a sufficient amount of downward pressureor force to the pressure pad housing 302 to overcome the biasingpressure of the spring 318 and thereby cause the pressure pad base 312to slide into the pressure pad housing 302. If the downward pressure onthe pressure pad housing 302 becomes less than the biasing pressure ofthe spring 318, the spring 318 will bias the pressure pad base 312 toextend out of the pressure pad housing 302 toward the extended positionand, therefore, out of the set position. In an embodiment, the biasingelement or spring 318 has a biasing pressure of about 22 pounds offorce. In an embodiment, the biasing element or spring has a biasingpressure in the range of about 10 to about 50 pounds of force. The term“about” as used herein with regarding to pounds of force means plus orminus 10% of the provided value of pounds of force. A wider range ofbiasing pressure may be appropriate in view of the particularapplication of the device.

In an embodiment, a portion of the securement member 101 is integratedinto the goal securement monitoring system 300. Referring to FIGS. 17Aand 17B, in an embodiment, the pressure pad housing 302 can includegrooves 319A, 319B defined therein. The edges of the distal end 105 ofthe securement member 101 can be inserted in the grooves in tongue andgroove fashion to join the pressure pad housing and the distal end 105.Referring to FIGS. 18A1 and 18A2, in an embodiment, the distal end 105of the securement member 101 is shown integrated into the pressure padhousing 302. In such an arrangement, the distal end 105 can applydownward pressure on the pressure pad housing 302 when the securementmember 101 is secured to the ground, and thereby maintain the pressurepad base in the set position. If the securement member 101 becomesunsecured and the downward pressure on the pressure pad housing 302 isrelieved, the biasing element 318 biases the pressure pad base 312 toextend out of the pressure pad housing 302 toward the extended position.The securement member can become unsecured by, for example, if the goalis tipped forward enough to dislodge the device from sound engagementwith the ground.

In an embodiment, the goal securement monitoring system 300 includes anindicator assembly to indicate whether the ground bar has maintained orlost securement with the ground. In an embodiment, an indicator assembly330 is integrated with the pressure pad assembly 310. In an embodiment,an indicator assembly 330 includes an indicator arm system 330.Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, in an embodiment, an indicator armsystem 330 includes a first indicator arm 336 and a second indicator arm338. The first and second indicator arms 336, 338 can include indicatorarm axels 332A, 332B, indicator arm coils 340A, 340B, and indicator armlever beams 334A, 334B. The first and second indicator arms 336, 338 canbe connected by an indicator arm lever bar 335. The first indicator arm336 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the second indicatorarm 338. Referring to FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 17A, in an embodiment, thepressure pad base 312 includes aspects of an indicator assembly 330,including vertical posts 320A and 320B. Each vertical post includes adistal top edge 328A, 328B and distal sloped edge 326A, 326B. Referringto FIGS. 17A and 17B, in an embodiment, the pressure pad housing 320includes an indicator arm biasing element 324 configured to bias theindicator arm system by biasing the indicator arm lever bar 335 withinan indicator arm lever channel 339.

Referring to FIGS. 19A1 through 19E2, an example of indicator movementcoinciding with movement of the pressure pad assembly 310 from anextended position to a set position is shown. In FIG. 19A1, the pressurepad base 312 is extended from the pressure pad housing 302 and is in theextended position. The extended position is indicative of lack ofsecurement of the goal securement device to the ground. In the extendedposition, the first indicator arm 336 is upright and the secondindicator arm 338 (not shown), being perpendicular to the firstindicator arm 336, is horizontal and less visible to persons in thefield of play. In the extended position, the first indicator arm 336,being upright and more visible to persons in the field of play, caninclude an indication, such as a red flag or stop sign, to indicate thatgoal securement device is not adequately secured to the ground. In anembodiment, the indicator arm biasing element 324 biases the indicatorarm system 330 toward the position shown in FIGS. 19A1 and 19A2.Referring to FIG. 19A2, the indicator arm lever beams 334A, 334B andindicator arm lever bar 335 are perpendicular to the first indicator arm336. The distal top edges 328A, 328B are in contact with the indicatorarm lever bar 335. Referring to FIGS. 19B1 and 19B2, as pressure isexerted to secure the device to the ground, the pressure pad base 312begins to slide into the pressure pad housing 302. Such movement causesthe pressure pad posts 320A, 320B to move upward relative to thehousing, which causes contact between the pressure pad posts 320A, 320Band the indicator arms to transition from the distal top edges 326A,326B and the indicator arm lever bar 335 to the distal sloped edges326A, 326B and the indicator arm lever beams 334A, 334B, and causes theindicator arms 336, 338 to begin to rotate about the indicator arm axels332A, 332B. Continued movement of the pressure pad base 312 into thepressure pad housing 302 causes continued rotation of the indicatorarms, as shown in FIGS. 19C2 through 19D2. Referring to FIGS. 19E1 and19E2, when the pressure pad base 312 reaches the set position, theindicator arms have completed their rotation to where the firstindicator arm 336 is horizontal and the second indicator arm 338 isupright (not shown). The indicator arms are prevented from rotating bycontact between the indicator arm lever beams 334A, 334B and the planaredges 327A, 327B of the pressure pad posts 320A, 320B. The set positionis indicative of securement of the goal securement device, and thereforethe goal, to the ground. The second indicator arm 338 (not shown) caninclude an indication, such as a green flag or safe-to-play sign, toindicate that the goal securement device and the goal are adequatelysecured to the ground.

Referring to FIGS. 18A1 through 18E2, an example of indicator armmovement coinciding with movement of the pressure pad assembly 310 froma set position to an extended position is shown. In FIG. 18A1, thepressure pad base 312 is pressed fully into the pressure pad housing 302and is in the set position. The set position is indicative of securementof the goal securement device to the ground. In the set position, thesecond indicator arm is upright (not shown) and the first indicator armis horizontal. In the set position, the second indicator arm 338, beingupright and more visible to persons in the field of play, can include anindication, such as a green flag or safe-to-play sign, to indicate thatthe goal securement device and the goal are adequately secured to theground. In an embodiment, the indicator arm biasing element 324 biasesthe indicator arm system 330 toward the position shown in FIGS. 18E1 and18E2. However, when in the set position, contact between the indicatorarm lever beams 334A, 334B and the planar edges 327A, 327B of thepressure pad posts 320A, 320B prevents rotation of the indicator armsystem from the position shown in FIGS. 18A1 and 18A2 to the positionshown in FIGS. 18E1 and 18E2. Referring to FIGS. 18B1 and 18B2, aspressure is released from the engagement between the goal securementdevice and the ground or as the goal securement device is separated fromcontact with the ground, the pressure pad base 312 begins to extend fromthe pressure pad housing 302. Such movement causes the pressure padposts 320A, 320B to move downward relative to the housing, but contactis maintained between the planar edges 327A, 327B of the pressure padposts 320A, 320B and the indicator arm lever beams 334A, 334B sorotation of the indicator arms about the indicator arm axels 332A, 332Bis prevented. Such feature prevents minor upsets of the goal securementdevice to lead to false indications of lack of securement. Referring toFIGS. 18C1 through 18D2, as further pressure is released, the pressurepad base 312 continues to extend from the pressure pad housing 302 andcontact between the indicator arms and pressure pad posts 320A, 320Btransitions from the indicator arm lever beams 334A, 334B and planaredges 327A, 327B to the indicator arm lever beams 334A, 334B and thedistal sloped edges 326A, 327B, which thereby allows the indicator armsto rotate about the indicator arm axels 332A, 334B. Referring to FIGS.18E1 and 18E2, when the pressure pad base 312 reaches the extendedposition, the indicator arms have completed their rotation to where thefirst indicator arm 336 is upright and the second indicator arm 338 ishorizontal (not shown). In the extended position, the indicator arms areprevented from rotating back to the position shown in FIGS. 18A1 and18A2 by the indicator arm biasing element 324. The extended position isindicative of lack of securement of the goal securement device to theground. In the extended position, the first indicator arm 336, beingupright and more visible to persons in the field of play, can include anindication, such as a red flag or stop sign, to indicate that goalsecurement device is not adequately secured to the ground.

In an embodiment, the securement member 101 is secured to the groundwith a ground engagement system 40. A ground engagement system 40 canutilize various methods and systems to engage the ground, includedstakes, augers, anchors, and the like. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, anexample embodiment of a ground engagement system 40 is disclosed, whichincludes an auger 17 having auger blades 29, a lock pin 26, lock pinhousing 24, and a lock pin receiver 16 attached to a proximate end ofthe auger 17. Such system engages the ground by driving the auger intothe ground until the lock pin receiver opening 44 is about flush withthe ground. The securement member 101 is secured to the ground byinserting the lock pin 26 through an aperture 106 defined in the groundbase member 102 of the securement member 101 and then inserting the lockpin 26 into the lock pin receiver 16 until the pin is received into apin groove 48 of desired depth. The pin can then be locked in place witha lock pin key 40 so that the securement member 101 cannot be detachedfrom the ground engagement system 40. In an embodiment the lock pin 26can be unlocked only when active pressure is applied to the lock pin key40; if the lock pin key 40 is passive and without pressure being appliedto it, the lock pin key 40 cannot unlock the lock pin 26. In anembodiment the pin groove 48 is below the level of the ground(underground) and the engagement between the lock pin 26 and the pingroove 48 is below grade (underground). Referring to FIG. 24, anembodiment of a lock pin receiver 16 having three pin grooves 48 atmultiple depths from the receiver opening 44 is depicted. Suchembodiment also depicts a driver coupling 42 of hexagon shape fordriving the auger 17 into the ground and a receiver drainage hole 62.

Referring to FIGS. 25 through 27, an embodiment of an anchor 500 isdepicted. Anchor 500 can be used to secure the ground securement system100 to the ground. Anchor 500 can include a lock pin receiver 16attached to a proximate end of the anchor 500. The lock pin receiver 16can engage a lock pin 26 of lock pin housing 24 as described herein orotherwise. The anchor 500 can include a central rod 510, a spreading nut520, and spreading arms 530. The spreading arms 530 may be configured tohold the anchor 500 in the ground. As illustrated in FIG. 25, thecentral rod 510 may include threads throughout the entire longitudinalaxis of the rod. In an embodiment, the central rod 510 may includethreads that do not include the entire longitudinal axis of the rod. Thethreads may be configured to cooperate with the spreading nut 520 suchthat when the central rod 510 is turned, the spreading nut 520 advanceseither upward or downward on the central rod 510, depending on thedirection the central rod 510 is turned. On the top end of the centralrod 510, there may be a connection in order to rotate the central rod510 into the ground. The top of the central rod may be shaped tocooperate with a standard drive system applicable to standard powertools and couplings. The central rod 510 could have virtually any sizeand shape selected to cooperate with a given more standard or uniquedrive tool. Referring to FIG. 25, the spreading nut 520 is configured tobe screwed onto and held onto the central rod 510. The spreading nut 520may include a body 522 and a spreading cone 524. The body 522 may be ofvarious shapes. In an embodiment, the body 522 of the spreading nut 520may be flat shaped, such that when the body 522 is inserted into theground, the body will not rotate when the central rod 510 is turned. Thespreading nut 520 may also have a spreading cone 524 located at an upperportion of the body 522 of the spreading nut 520. The spreading cone 524may be sized and shaped to spread the spreading arms 530 when thespreading cone 524 is engaged with the spreading arms 530.

Referring to FIGS. 25 through 27, the spreading arms 530 may be locatedon the central rod 510. The spreading arms 530 may be fixedly located onthe central rod 510, such that when the central rod 510 turns, thespreading arms 530 move with the central rod 510. The spreading arms 530may be in the shape of a thicker piece attached to the central rod 510,with a thin end furthest away from the central rod 510. As the spreadingarms 530 extract outward into the ground, the shape of the spreadingarms 530 may help to hold the anchor 500 in the ground. FIGS. 26Athrough 27 illustrate the anchor 500 being inserted into the ground.Referring to FIG. 26A, the anchor 500 may be pounded or inserted intothe ground in such orientation. As discussed above, the anchor 500 maybe flat or a small enough profile to be inserted into the ground withminimal force or requirements for a hole. When inserted into the ground,the anchor 500 may have the spreading arms 530 located closely to thecentral rod 510. As depicted in FIG. 26B, the central rod 510 is rotatedor turned. As the central rod 510 is turned, the spreading nut 520 stayslocated and locked into the ground. The central rod 510 turns throughthe spreading nut 520 and moves downward. When the central rod 510 turnsdownward, the spreading arms 530 start to engage the outward portions ofthe spreading nut 520 and body 524 and begin to expand outwardly in theground. As depicted in FIG. 27, as the central rod 510 turns, thespreading cone 524 engages the spreading arms 530 further, therebyexpanding them outwardly to an almost horizontal position. With thespreading arms 530 in the horizontal position, the anchor 500 is heldfirmly in the ground. In an embodiment the spreading nut 520 moves withthe central rod 510 and the spreading arms 530 do not move. In anembodiment the central rod turns but does not move downwardly orupwardly in relation to the earth. In an embodiment the spreading nut520 and the spreading arms 530 can be reversed so that the spreading nut520 is above the spreading arms 530. In this embodiment, as the centralrod 510 turns downward, the spreading arms 530 begin to expand outwardlyin the ground in the shape of the letter “v”. The spreading arms 530 canbe stationary in relation to the central rod 510 and the spreading nut520 can move as the central rod 510 moves; in an alternate embodiment,the spreading nut 520 can be stationary in relation to the central rod510 and the spreading arms 530 can move as the central rod 510 moves.

FIGS. 28A through 28H represent views of an embodiment of a goalsecurement device. The description, details, and reference numbers ofthe goal securement device as described above may be utilized for theembodiment of the goal securement device illustrated in FIGS. 28Athrough 28H. FIGS. 29A through 29G represent views of an embodiment of aresilient tube. The description, details, and references numbers of theresilient tube as described above may be utilized for the embodiment ofthe resilient tube illustrated in FIGS. 29A through 29G.

The housing components disclosed herein may be formed by injectionmolding. Manufacturing of such components is improved by the practice ofdrafting and coring. The integrity of the components is also improved byapplying the practice of drafting and coring to the manufacture anddesign of the components. Drafting includes the practice of imparting aslight taper to the side walls of a component part to reduce theresistance of removing the injected molded part from the mold. In anembodiment, the draft angle used for parts disclosed herein ranges fromabout 0.5 to about 2.0 degrees. Coring includes the practice of removingmaterial from an otherwise thick portion of a design in favor of wallsand ribs which provide enough strength and mating surfaces for otherparts in the assembly. A part having portions of substantiallynon-uniform thickness can be subject to excess shrink, sink, internalbubbles, voids, and poor cosmetics. In embodiments disclosed herein,portions of the housing components can be subject to coring.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate there are numerous variations andpermutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, thespirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as setforth in the claims.

We claim:
 1. A ground engagement system, comprising: a ground securementelement; an anchor wherein the anchor further includes: a lock pinreceiver attached to a proximate end of the anchor, a central rod,wherein the central rod further includes threads on a longitudinal axisof the central rod, a spreading nut configured to be screwed onto andheld onto the central rod, and at least two spreading arms configured tohold the anchor in the ground, wherein the spreading nut is furtherconfigured to advance upwards or downwards on the central rod when thecentral rod is turned, wherein the spreading arms are configured to holdthe anchor in the ground when the central rod turns in one directionexpanding the spreading arms outwardly into the ground securing theanchor in the ground, wherein the anchor is configured to secure theground securement element to the ground, and a pressure pad assembly,wherein the pressure pad assembly is operably connected to the groundsecurement element, wherein the pressure pad assembly is configure toindicate whether the ground securement element is secured to the groundby the anchor, the pressure pad assembly having an indicator, andwherein the ground securement element and the anchor are operablyconnected and configured to secure a ground bar of a goal to the ground.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the spreading nut further includes abody and a spreading cone.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein thespreading cone is located at an upper portion of the body of thespreading nut.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the spreading nut isflat shaped, and wherein the spreading nut is configured not to rotatewhen the central rod is turned.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein thespreading cone is configured to spread the spreading arms when thespreading cone is engaged with the spreading arms.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the spreading arms are located on the central rod. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein the spreading arms are configured toextract outward into the ground, and wherein the shape of the spreadingarms hold the anchor in the ground when the central rod turns.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the spreading arms expand outwardly into theground when the central rod turns in one direction, and wherein thespreading arms contract when the central rod turns in an oppositedirection.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the central rod is furtherconfigured to turn but does not move downwardly or upwardly in relationto the earth.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the spreading nut isconfigured above the spreading arms, and wherein the spreading armsexpand outwardly in the ground as the central rod turns downwardly. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the anchor is held in the ground with thespreading arms in a substantially horizontal position.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the indicator is an indicator arm system comprising afirst indicator arm and a second indicator arm.
 13. The system of claim1, wherein the indicator is configured to provide at least one of avisual indication or an audible indication.
 14. A method of securing aground bar of a goal to the ground comprising: configuring a groundanchor to secure a ground bar of a goal to the ground, providing theanchor a lock pin receiver to attach to a proximate end of the anchor;providing the anchor a central rod, wherein the central rod furtherincludes threads on a longitudinal axis of the central rod; providingthe anchor a spreading nut configured to be screwed onto and held ontothe central rod; providing the anchor at least two spreading armsconfigured to hold the anchor in the ground, and wherein the spreadingnut is further configured to advance upwards or downwards on the centralrod when the central rod is turned, wherein the spreading arms areconfigured to hold the anchor in the ground when the central rod turnsin one direction expanding the spreading arms outwardly into the groundsecuring the anchor in the ground, wherein the anchor and a groundsecurement element are operably connected and configured to secure aground bar of a goal to the ground, and providing a pressure padassembly wherein the pressure pad assembly is operably connected to theground securement element and wherein the pressure pad assembly isconfigured to indicate whether the ground securement element is securedto the ground by the anchor, the pressure pad assembly having anindicator.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising: configuringthe pressure pad assembly to move from a set position when the groundsecurement element is secure to the ground, to an extended position whenthe ground securement element is not secure to the ground.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising: configuring the indicator toprovide at least one of a visual indication or an audible indication.17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: configuring thespreading arms to expand outwardly into the ground when the central rodturns in one direction, and wherein the spreading arms contract when thecentral rod turns in an opposite direction; and configuring the anchorto be held in the ground with the spreading arms expanded outwardly in asubstantially horizontal position.
 18. A ground engagement system,comprising: an anchor; a ground securement element; and a pressure padassembly; wherein the anchor further includes a lock pin receiverattached to a proximate end of the anchor, a central rod, a spreadingnut configured to be screwed onto and held onto the central rod, and atleast two spreading arms configured to expand outwardly into the groundwhen the central rod turns in one direction securing the anchor in theground; wherein the pressure pad assembly is operably connected to theground securement element, wherein the pressure pad assembly isconfigured to indicate whether the ground securement element is securedto the ground by the anchor, the pressure pad assembly having anindicator; and wherein the ground securement element and the anchor areoperably connected and configured to secure a ground bar of a goal tothe ground.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the pressure padassembly is further configured to move from a set position when theground securement element is secured to the ground, to an extendedposition when the ground securement element is not secured to theground.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the indicator is configuredto provide at least one of a visual indication or an audible indication.